15 Butternut Squash Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Butternut squash is a versatile ingredient that can add a touch of warmth and flavor to your meals. It has a sweet, nutty taste and creamy texture. You can use it in various recipes, from soups and salads to casseroles and desserts.

Exploring butternut squash recipes can inspire you to try new dishes in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for healthy options or comforting favorites, there’s a recipe to satisfy your cravings and bring a seasonal touch to your dining table.

1) Roasted Butternut Squash with Thyme

Roasting butternut squash with thyme brings out its natural sweetness. It’s a simple dish that enhances the flavors of the squash while adding a lovely herbal note.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Start by cutting the squash into cubes. The pieces should be about an inch in size for even cooking.

In a large bowl, toss the squash cubes with olive oil, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Make sure all pieces are coated well.

Spread the mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized. Give it a stir halfway through for even cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1-2 teaspoons fresh thyme
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash into one-inch cubes.
3. Toss the squash with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

2) Butternut Squash Soup with Sage

Butternut squash soup with sage is a warm and comforting dish. Its creamy texture, combined with the earthy flavor of sage, makes it a perfect choice for colder days. You can easily make this soup at home.

To start, you will need butternut squash, which you can peel, seed, and cut into small pieces. Adding apples can give your soup a nice sweetness. Cooking the squash and apples together enhances their flavors.

After blending everything into a smooth soup, finish it with sautéed sage leaves for a crunchy topping. The combination is both delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash (2 to 2½ pounds)
• 2 medium Granny Smith apples
• 1 onion
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh sage leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel, seed, and chop the butternut squash.
2. Core and slice the apples.
3. Heat olive oil in a pot. Sauté chopped onion until soft.
4. Add squash, apples, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer until squash is tender, about 20 minutes.
6. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
7. In a separate pan, sauté sage leaves until crispy.
8. Serve soup hot, topped with crispy sage.

3) Spicy Butternut Squash Chili

This Spicy Butternut Squash Chili is a warm and comforting dish. It’s perfect for chilly days and is full of flavor. You will love how the sweetness of butternut squash balances the spices.

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until the onions turn translucent. Then, mix in ground meat until it is browned.

Next, add diced butternut squash, bell peppers, tomatoes, and a mix of spices like chili powder and cumin. Pour in vegetable broth, bringing everything to a boil. Let it simmer until the squash is tender.

Serve this chili hot, and enjoy every spoonful!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 butternut squash, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic; cook until translucent.
3. Stir in ground meat until browned.
4. Add butternut squash and bell pepper; mix well.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
6. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until squash is tender.

4) Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna

Making a butternut squash and spinach lasagna is a great way to enjoy a hearty, meatless meal. The sweet taste of the squash pairs nicely with fresh spinach. This dish is perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.

To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). You’ll want to prepare the butternut squash by cutting it into small cubes. Roast the squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper until it’s tender.

Next, layer the roasted squash with fresh spinach and cheese between sheets of lasagna noodles. The creamy texture and cheesy flavor will be a hit with everyone!

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash, cubed
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 9 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the cubed squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes.
3. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
4. In a baking dish, layer noodles, squash, spinach, and ricotta cheese. Repeat layers.
5. Top with mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, until bubbly. Enjoy!

5) Butternut Squash Risotto

Butternut squash risotto is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for any meal. It combines the sweetness of squash with the richness of arborio rice. This dish may take some time, but it’s worth every minute.

Start by roasting the squash for extra flavor. You can do this at 425°F (220°C) until it’s tender. While it roasts, sauté onions and garlic for a fragrant base.

Gradually add warm vegetable stock to the rice, letting it absorb each addition. Stir in the roasted squash and finish with Parmesan cheese for a creamy texture.

Enjoy this comforting dish with friends or family!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 2 cups butternut squash, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roast the butternut squash for 25-30 minutes.
3. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic.
4. Add arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
5. Gradually add warm vegetable stock, stirring often.
6. Mix in roasted squash and Parmesan cheese.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6) Maple Glazed Butternut Squash

Maple glazed butternut squash is a delicious side dish that brings together the natural sweetness of the squash with rich maple syrup. This combination makes for a lovely flavor that enhances any meal.

To start, you will want to peel, seed, and cut the squash into cubes. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Next, toss the squash with maple syrup and a sprinkle of nutmeg for added warmth. Roast the squash in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until it’s tender and caramelized.

This dish is colorful and tasty, perfect for any gathering or weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash.
3. In a bowl, mix the squash with maple syrup and nutmeg.
4. Spread the squash on a lined baking sheet.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender and caramelized.

7) Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry

Butternut squash and chickpea curry is a delicious vegan dish. It combines creamy coconut milk with nutty chickpeas and tender squash. This curry warms you up during chilly days.

Start by roasting the butternut squash until it’s soft. While it roasts, cook onions, garlic, and your favorite spices in a pan. The aroma will fill your kitchen!

Add the roasted squash, chickpeas, and coconut milk. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend together perfectly.

You can serve it with rice or bread for a complete meal. Enjoy every comforting bite!

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash (about 2 pounds or 900 grams)
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (13.5 ounces or 400 milliliters) coconut milk
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel and chop the butternut squash into cubes.
3. Toss the squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Roast the squash for 25-30 minutes until soft.
5. In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent.
6. Add garlic and curry powder, cooking for 1 minute.
7. Stir in the roasted squash and chickpeas.
8. Pour in the coconut milk and simmer for 20 minutes.
9. Serve warm with rice or bread.

8) Butternut Squash and Apple Salad

This vibrant salad combines roasted butternut squash with crisp apples for a delightful mix of flavors. You can use arugula or baby kale as the base for a fresh taste.

The sweetness of maple syrup enhances the dish, while pecans add a nice crunch. You can enjoy this salad as a light meal or a side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 large apple, diced
• 2 cups arugula or baby kale
• 1/2 cup pecans (candied if desired)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the squash on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes.
4. In a bowl, combine the roasted squash, diced apple, and arugula.
5. Drizzle with maple syrup and mix in the pecans.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy your salad!

9) Butternut Squash and Black Bean Tacos

You will love making butternut squash and black bean tacos. They are tasty and easy to prepare.

Start by roasting butternut squash in olive oil with spices like cumin and chili powder. This adds great flavor and makes the squash tender.

Next, add black beans for protein. Combine them on the baking sheet for the last few minutes of roasting.

Assemble your tacos with the roasted mix. You can top them with pickled shallots, cilantro, and a drizzle of cream for extra flavor.

Enjoy these delicious tacos as a simple meal.

Ingredients

• 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortillas
• Optional toppings: pickled shallots, cilantro, cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the butternut squash with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the squash on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Add black beans for the last 5 minutes.
6. Assemble tacos with roasted squash and black beans.
7. Add desired toppings and serve.

10) Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Butternut squash mac and cheese is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. It combines creamy cheese sauce with the smooth sweetness of roasted butternut squash.

To make it, cook pasta until al dente. You can use any pasta shape you like, such as rotini or elbow macaroni. While the pasta cooks, roast the butternut squash until soft.

Then, blend the squash with milk, butter, and seasonings like garlic powder and pepper. Mix this creamy sauce with your pasta. Add in cheese, like sharp cheddar, to enhance the flavor.

Transfer everything to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and bubbly at 350°F (175°C).

Ingredients

• 12 oz. elbow macaroni
• 1 medium butternut squash
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• Butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions.
3. Roast the butternut squash until tender.
4. Blend the squash with milk, butter, and seasonings.
5. Mix the sauce with the cooked pasta and cheese.
6. Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
7. Bake until the top is golden and bubbly.

11) Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Tart

A butternut squash and goat cheese tart is a deliciously easy dish that is perfect for any meal. The combination of sweet squash and creamy goat cheese creates a wonderful balance of flavors.

To make this tart, you can use a store-bought crust or make your own. Roast the squash until it is tender, then mix it with crumbled goat cheese.

Add fresh herbs like thyme for extra flavor. Pour a mixture of eggs, cream, and seasonings over the filling, and bake until set.

Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash
• 1 pie crust
• 4 oz (113 g) goat cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) crème fraîche
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh thyme

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Peel and seed the butternut squash, then cut it into cubes.
3. Roast the squash on a baking sheet for about 35 minutes.
4. In a bowl, mix the eggs, crème fraîche, milk, salt, and pepper.
5. Spread the roasted squash and crumbled goat cheese in the pie crust.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the filling.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and set.

12) Stuffed Butternut Squash with Quinoa

Stuffed butternut squash with quinoa is a delicious and nutritious dish you can easily prepare. It combines the sweet flavor of butternut squash with healthy quinoa and other tasty ingredients.

Start by halving the squash and scooping out the seeds. Roast the squash halves until tender. Meanwhile, cook the quinoa and mix it with your favorite vegetables.

Once the squash is done, fill it with the quinoa mixture and bake it again to blend the flavors. This meal is perfect for a healthy dinner or as a side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 cup chopped vegetables (like spinach, mushrooms, or kale)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Dried herbs (like oregano or thyme)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash in half and scoop out the seeds.
3. Place the squash on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Roast for 40-50 minutes until tender.
5. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions using vegetable broth.
6. In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa with chopped vegetables and herbs.
7. Fill squash halves with the quinoa mixture.
8. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until heated through.

13) Butternut Squash and Lentil Soup

Butternut squash and lentil soup is a warm and hearty dish. It’s perfect for chilly days and packed with nutrition. The sweet and nutty flavor of butternut squash pairs well with lentils, creating a delicious combo.

To make this soup, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep. You can enjoy it as a main dish or a side.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for cooking
• Optional: spinach or kale

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
3. Stir in diced butternut squash, and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are soft.
6. Blend soup until smooth, if desired.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Add spinach or kale before serving if you like. Enjoy!

14) Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash

Cinnamon roasted butternut squash is a tasty and easy dish. The sweetness of the squash combined with warm cinnamon creates a comforting flavor that everyone loves. It’s perfect as a side for roasted meats or even on its own.

To make this dish, you will first cut the butternut squash into cubes. Toss the cubes with olive oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cayenne for a little kick. After that, roast them in the oven until they are tender and golden.

This dish not only looks great on your table but also adds a wonderful aroma to your kitchen while it cooks.

Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
2. Peel and cube the butternut squash.
3. In a bowl, toss the squash with olive oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cayenne.
4. Spread the squash on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, until tender and golden.

15) Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Making butternut squash gnocchi is a delightful way to enjoy this tasty squash. It gives the gnocchi a lovely color and a slightly sweet flavor.

Start by roasting the squash until it’s tender. This usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Once it’s cooled, mash it and mix it with flour and a few other ingredients to form the dough.

Cut the dough into small pieces and shape them into little dumplings. Cook these gnocchi in boiling water until they float to the surface.

For a delicious touch, you can serve them with sage butter sauce. It adds rich flavor and complements the sweetness of the squash perfectly.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash
• 1 to 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the squash in half and remove the seeds. Then, drizzle them with olive oil.
3. Roast the squash until it’s tender, which should take about 25-30 minutes.
4. After roasting, mash the squash in a bowl.
5. Mix in the flour and salt until a dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into small pieces and shape them into gnocchi.
7. In a pot, boil some water and add the gnocchi.
8. Cook them until they float, then serve with sage butter sauce.